Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has solidified his grip on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the official resumption of his ally, Samuel Anyanwu, as the party’s National Secretary. This move, seen as a political masterstroke, is reshaping internal party dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite a Sunday night meeting of PDP governors aimed at mending internal rifts, Anyanwu—backed by a March 21 Supreme Court judgment—submitted PDP’s candidate list for the Anambra governorship election to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday. INEC had earlier declared it would only accept correspondence signed by the legitimate National Secretary, reaffirming Anyanwu’s pivotal role.
The letter, dated May 7, 2025, confirmed Ezenwafor Jude C. as PDP’s governorship candidate for Anambra, with Hon. Okene Francis Chukwudi as running mate.
Wike’s Strategic Advantage and Influence in PDP
Wike’s influence is now seen as central to PDP’s decision-making machinery. With allies holding the positions of acting National Chairman and National Secretary, and considerable support within the National Working Committee (NWC) and Board of Trustees (BoT), Wike is poised to influence crucial pre-election decisions, including the zoning of the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, the former Rivers State governor rejected claims he was destabilizing the PDP.
“Tearing the party? No. I’m rebuilding it. Our constitution is clear: only the National Chairman or Secretary can sign INEC-bound documents,” Wike stated.
He warned that any National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting not convened by recognized officers would face legal challenges:
“Only the National Secretary can issue a valid NEC notice. If someone else signs, I’ll challenge it in court. That’s not a threat—it’s Supreme Court precedent.”
Saraki Leads Strategy Committee Ahead of May NEC Meeting
To calm tensions and prepare for the May 27 NEC meeting, PDP governors and stakeholders established a seven-member strategy committee led by Senator Bukola Saraki. The committee includes sitting governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), and Peter Mbah (Enugu), alongside former governors Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, and Okezie Ikpeazu.
Saraki clarified the committee’s role on social media:
“We had a fruitful meeting… The committee will chart a way forward and ensure a rancour-free NEC and national convention.”
BoT Inaugurates 39 New Members, Reaffirms Party Unity
The Board of Trustees (BoT), known as the “conscience of the party,” inaugurated 39 new members on Monday. BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara reassured members of PDP’s survival and resilience:
“The God of PDP never sleeps. Today is not just a celebration—it’s a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the PDP.”
Wabara urged new members to offer wise counsel, foster internal stability, and help reclaim PDP’s status as Nigeria’s leading political force.
Calls for Wike’s Expulsion Grow Louder
Despite Wike’s consolidation of power, pressure mounts from within. The Conference of Professionals in the PDP (CP-PDP) called on the Saraki committee to fast-track Wike’s expulsion, citing his continued support for the APC and threats of litigation against PDP processes.
In a statement, CP-PDP Chairman Obinna Nwachukwu said:
“Wike’s public alignment with the APC, especially ahead of the FCT council elections and 2027 polls, undermines PDP’s credibility.”
The group described Wike’s presence at the stakeholders’ meeting as “offensive” and urged swift action before the NEC meeting.
